Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation, has in recent years devoted a large amount of time and effort to promoting the human rights of people who are affected by leprosy. One facet of his effort has been the annual delivery of a Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against People Affected by Leprosy. This appeal has been an attempt, both to raise public awareness through the media, and to draw in the support of world leaders, representatives of people affected by leprosy, and organizations concerned with human rights in general.